David Popovici qualified for the 200 meters freestyle final after winning the second semifinal and posting the best time among the top four.
With a time of 1:44.53, the 19-year-old Romanian dominated this superb semifinal from start to finish, winning over Duncan Scott from the UK and Max Giulliani from Australia. The Romanian swimmer turned first and maintained the lead until the end of the 4 pool lengths, which he controlled with maximum confidence.
Popovici will have alongside him in the grand final Duncan Scott, Luke Hobson, Lukas Maertens, Max Giulliani, Danas Rapsys, Matt Richards, and Katsushiro Matsumoto.
The final is scheduled for Monday, July 29, at 9:40 p.m.
David Popovici had won the first race of the day in the 200 meters freestyle, in the heats, with the best time of 1:45.65. The 19-year-old Romanian, a major favorite in the 100 and 200 meters events at this Olympics, as experts claim, overwhelmingly dominated the morning session of the event at La Defense arena.
The Romanian was placed in the second semifinal of his event alongside the British Duncan Scott, the Olympic vice-champion of the event, as well as the Australians Giuliani and Neill. The Romanian started this event with the best time of the season, 1:43.13, achieved at the European Championships in Belgrade in June.
Popovici will fight tomorrow evening at 9:40 p.m. to make history, namely to win his first Olympic medal in his career, as he is already a multiple European and world champion, and a former world record holder in the 100 meters freestyle.
The Olympic record for the 200 meters freestyle event is held by American Michael Phelps, with 1:42.97, achieved in Beijing at the 2008 Olympics.